大学受験対策｜英語 長文読解問題39 難易度：★★☆☆☆

In today’s fast-paced world, companies must deliver products to customers quickly and at a reasonable cost. One way to achieve this is by having a strong logistics strategy. A good plan will make sure that goods are stored and shipped in ways that are both efficient and reliable. To begin, businesses need to decide where to keep their products. By choosing central warehouses or distribution centers, they can reduce transport costs and shorten delivery times.

Next, it is important to plan the movement of goods. This might include creating careful delivery schedules and choosing reliable carriers or shipping partners. Some companies use software to track packages and monitor routes, which helps them avoid delays. In addition, sharing information between partners is crucial. For example, a factory can use real-time data from a warehouse to know exactly when to send the next shipment.

Another key strategy is to focus on packaging. Using the right size and type of packaging can lower shipping costs and protect products during transport. It can also help companies reduce waste, which is good for the environment. Moreover, offering different shipping options may satisfy more customers. Some people value fast delivery, while others prefer cheaper methods.

Finally, effective logistics means constant improvement. By studying past performance, businesses can learn where problems occur and fix them. They might discover that some routes are too expensive or that certain delivery times are not realistic. By making changes based on data, companies can keep products moving smoothly and ensure customers remain satisfied.

Q1. Which action helps businesses reduce the chance of late deliveries?

1. Arranging social events to thank loyal shipping employees quickly
2. Implementing route-monitoring tools to detect problems and avoid hold-ups
3. Cutting back on safety checks for delicate and fragile goods
4. Increasing warehouse sizes to accommodate expanding customer orders effectively

Q2. What benefit do companies get by examining their earlier logistics results?

1. They hire more employees to package items for daily distribution tasks.
2. They spot costly routes and adjust shipments for better efficiency.
3. They reduce staff training while maintaining higher levels of service speed.
4. They expand warehouse capacity beyond normal operating demands each season.

Q3. Which statement below does not agree with the ideas in the text?

1. Employing many small warehouses lowers shipping costs and shortens delivery times.
2. Organizations schedule deliveries carefully and coordinate with dependable shipping services.
3. Properly chosen packaging reduces transport expenses and keeps products protected.
4. Storing products centrally helps companies cut costs and speed up dispatches.